Top 7 Most Beautiful Gardens in Jammu & Kashmir 2025

The beauty of Kashmir is found in its pine covered forests, gurgling rivers, serene lakes, and snow capped mountains. Beyond the scenic charms of its forest, meadows and lakes, it is also found in the many beautiful gardens of Kashmir. When you visit the garden in Kashmir, the words said by Mughal Emperor Jahangir go through one’s mind. About Kashmir, he said, “agar firdaus bar roo-e zameen ast, Hameen ast-o hameen ast-o hameen ast. This translates to the very famous lines that “if there is heaven on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here,”. 

The paradisiacal beauty of these emerald gardens dotted with colourful blooms and waterfalls are second to none. These gardens didn’t simply serve an aesthetic purpose with symmetrical layout and colourful blooms. They also showcased the wealth, influence and prestige of a particular ruler of that time. Tourists who visit Kashmir include at least one to two Mughal Garden visits during their tour. They serve as an excellent vacation spot for families with kids. Even couples on their honeymoon tour are seen clicking photos and share their marital bliss in these beautiful gardens. 

Let’s find out more about the top seven gardens of Kashmir, their timings and entry fee: 

Top 7 Most Beautiful Gardens/ Baghs in Jammu & Kashmir

1. Shalimar Bagh 

2. Achabal Garden

3. Nishat Bagh 

4. Chashme Shahi Garden

5. Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden 

6. Garden of Char Chinar

7. Nasim Bagh 

1. Shalimar Bagh 

Shalimar Bagh is among the top most visited gardens in Jammu and Kashmir.  It is located in the capital city Srinagar. The garden’s layout reflects the geometrical chahar bagh concept.  In the chahar bagh concept, the garden area is divided into four equal quadrants with four paths meeting at the centre. When seen from above, the garden looks like the board game Ludo—how each of the four paths leads to one centre. 

Shalimar Bagh was built by Emperor Jahangir for his queen Nur Jahan. Upon visiting the garden, you will be mesmerised by its beauty. Its architectural style is elaborate. The garden has three distinct terraces called Diwan-i-Aam (public hall), Diwan-i-Khas (special hall for royalty), and Zenana (hall reserved exclusively for women). The entire garden  has lush grass, blooming florals and serene waterfalls. The trees of Chinar contours the borders of the garden. 

• Address: Chinar Chowk, Shalimar, Srinagar, J & K,  191121
• Timings: 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM 

 2. Achabal Garden

Located at the Southern tip of Kashmir valley, Achabal Garden is a small yet supremely gorgeous garden to visit in Kashmir. Better known as “the place of the princess”, Achabal Garnen has three halls in a gazebo-like structure. Walk on the stone laden pathways, admire the manicured grass and beautiful floral blooms. The landscape of Achbal Bagh features natural fountains, streams, and lush Chinar trees. 

Achabal Garden was built by Mughal Emperor Jahangir's wife, Nur Jahan in 1620 A.D. Later, in 1634-1640 AD, the Achabal Garden was remodelled by Jahanara, the daughter of Shah Jahan. After that, the garden was rebuilt by Gulab Singh and was opened to the public. 

• Address: Right path of Mughal Garden Road, Achabal, J & K 192201
• Timings: 8 AM to 8:30 PM 

3. Nishat Bagh 

Nishat Bagh is situated in close proximity to Shalimra Bagh and can be easily covered side-by-side. On the eastern side of this 12-terraced garden lies the majestic and serene Dal lake. Nishat Bagh which is known as the “Garden of Joy” or “Garden of  Bliss” is also built just like Shaimar Bagh. The architectural layout of the garden is based on the chahar bagh concept. All four pathways lead to one beautiful and awe-inspiring waterfall in the centre of the garden. 

It is said that Nishat Bagh was the brain child of Nur Jahan’s brother Asif Khan. He’s the one who designed and built this 47 acre garden in 1633 AD. The beautiful blooms of lilies, asters, geranium, and roses grow beautifully in this garden.

• Address: Address: Boulevard Rd, Nishat, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 191121
• Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM 

4. Chashme Shahi Garden

Chashme Shai is the smallest of all the Mughal gardens in Kashmir. This beautiful garden  is 108 m long and 38 m wide, spanning an area of just one hectare. Also known as Cheshma Shahi, this garden was built in 1632 AD by Ali Mardan Khan. He was a governor for Mughal emperor Shahn Jahan. The garden was a gift for his eldest son Prince Dara Shikoh. From this garden visitors get to enjoy the views of Dal lake. 

The architecture of the garden is typical of a Persian-styled garden. Translating to Royal Spring, the garden has clear pathways, shrubs, flowers and fountains. The small waterfall flowing in this garden passes through three structured ramps, creating beautiful pools. 

• Timings: 10 am to 6 pm
• Address: 7, Boulevard Road, Chashma Shahi, Rainawari, Srinagar, J & K, 190001

5. Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden 

Visit Asia’s largest Tulip garden on your Kashmir tour. Yes, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is the largest garden boasting colourful tulips. The tulips blooms are no less than the blooms of the Netherlands. The tulip blooming season in Kashmir starts from late March to early April. It is when most tourists, especially families with kids plan their Kashmir tour. If you are planning to visit Kashmir in late March and early April, make sure to do advanced booking.

The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is spread in an area of 30 hectares on the foothills of the Zabarwan Range. Apart from Tulips, flowers like narcissus, daffodils, hyacinths, and roses are also seen blooming in this garden. An annual Tulip Festival is also celebrated in Jammu and Kashmir and held at Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden. 

• Address: Jammu and Kashmir, Cheshma Shahi Road, Rainawari, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001
• Timings: 8 AM to 7 PM 

6. Garden of Char Chinar

The Garden of Char Chinar is one of the best photo spots in Kashmir you can lay your eyes on.  This garden is located on Dal Lake and is easily recognisable from its tall standing four Chinar trees. The word “chaar” which translates four depicts the four Chinar trees in each corner of the garden. Visit here to enjoy the charms of Dal lake. Sip a hot cup of Kahwa as the cool breeze gently blows. Relish the tranquillity of the garden and click photos with a backdrop of mountains. Since the garden is on Dal lake, the only way to reach here is through a shikara ride. 

Address: Rainawari, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001

Timings: 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM 

7. Nasim Bagh 

Nasim (alternatively spelt as Naseem) Bagh is another of the famous Mughal Gardens in Kashmir. It’s spread in an area of 25 hectares and is dotted with Chinar trees. The garden is built on the northwestern side of Dal lake and built by Mughal emperor Akbar in 1586. It has around 700 Chinar trees. The best time to visit Nasim Bagh is during the autumn season. The fiery red colour of Chinar leaves fall all over creating a postcard perfect view of this garden. 

• Address: 6, Hazratbal Road, Nasim Bagh, Srinagar, J & K 190006
• Timings: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM

These were the top seven gardens among the many gardens of Kashmir that accentuates the beauty of this region. On your trip to Kashmir, add these gardens to your sightseeing list and spend a lovely time with your family or friends.